Hearing testing probe apparatus with digital interface

ABSTRACT

Certain embodiments provide a hearing testing probe apparatus. The hearing testing probe apparatus includes a probe tube detachably coupled at a first end to a probe body and extending through a center hole in an eartip to align proximate a face of the eartip at a second end. The probe tube includes a plurality of stimulus lumens for receiving and carrying stimulus from the first end of the probe tube for output at the second end of the probe tube. The probe tube includes one or more microphone lumens for receiving and carrying one or more measured responses from the second end of the probe tube to one or more microphones at the first end of the probe tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/357,184, entitled “Hearing Testing Probe Apparatus with DigitalInterface,” filed on Jan. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,155,494, whichmakes reference to, claims priority to, and claims benefit from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/435,620, entitled “HearingTesting Probe Apparatus with Digital Interface,” filed on Jan. 24, 2011.

The entire contents of each above-mentioned prior-filed application ishereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under contract numberN00014-10-M-0267 awarded by the Office of Naval Research. The governmenthas certain rights in the invention.

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hearing testing probes placedwithin ear canals that are coupled to an instrument that monitors thecondition within the ears. More specifically, the present inventionprovides a hearing testing probe with a user-replaceable coupling memberfor interfacing to an ear canal. The present invention further relatesgenerally to a digital interface for coupling a testing instrument to ahearing testing probe placed within the ear canal. More specifically,the present invention relates to a hearing tester which emits testsignals into the ear via a digital interface and through a probe placedwithin the ear canal, and then uses the response to make a determinationof hearing function.

Hearing test devices that monitor the condition within a human ear areknown. Such test devices generally require that the person performingthe test (the “operator”) place a test probe of the device within theear canal of a test subject. Once the probe is placed properly withinthe ear canal, the operator activates the device, usually by pressing abutton or the like. The device then emits test signals into thesubject's ear through the probe in the ear canal. In response to thetest signals emitted, the device receives response signals from the ear,likewise through the probe in the ear canal. Such response signalsreceived are then used to determine whether the ear is functioningproperly.

Audiological testing for hearing impairment commonly requires anacoustic, air pressure, or vibratory stimulus to be presented to thetest subject. Several of the methods for hearing evaluation require theuse of a probe to generate and couple the stimulus directly to thesubject's ear canal. Examples of hearing tests using these probesinclude otoacoustic emissions, acoustic immittance, acoustic reflex,reflectance, and, in some cases, auditory brainstem response. For eachof these tests, certain characteristics of the stimulations need to beapplied accurately in order to provide an accurate evaluation of theresults.

In order to provide an accurate evaluation of the results, frequencyresponse, magnitude, distortion, and other characteristics of thestimulus should be presented appropriately and measured accurately.Current calibration methods become less accurate as the frequency of thedesired stimulus increases. Calibration errors become increasingly moresignificant at frequencies beyond 6 kHz and provide for a much reduceddegree of certainty and consistency in measurements of hearing function.While it is desirable to perform measurements at higher frequencies,where often the first indications of hearing loss would be present, theability to perform repeatable and consistent measurements with currentlyavailable commercial hearing testing probes is significantly limited.

For many tests, otoacoustic emissions testing in particular, the levelsof stimulus applied to the ear canal of the subject is determined by acalibration sequence performed when the probe is placed into the earcanal of the subject. This calibration of the probe response in thesubject's ear canal is critical to determining and applying theappropriate stimulus. Assessment and diagnosis of the test responses arebased on the levels of the stimulus applied, and thus the accuracy ofthe assessment is compromised if the applied levels are not accurate.

During hearing testing, a seal to the ear canal is provided by an eartipcontaining one or more internal sound channels for conducting sound toand from the end of the probe to the ear. FIG. 1 illustrates anexemplary recessed probe design as is known in the art. The accuracy ofthe calibration with the commonly available hearing test probes islimited by an intentional design feature. The end of the hearing testprobe, where the stimulus exits into the ear canal, is recessed from theend of the eartip. This recess, usually two to three millimeters inlength, provides a place for contamination (e.g., cerumen or otherbiological material) to collect without entering the body of the probewhere cleaning or extraction of the contamination would be difficult andcan compromise the performance of the probe.

Referring to the exemplary recessed probe design illustrated in FIG. 1,the recessed probe end provides a buffer zone that often contains anycontamination and reduces the occurrence of infiltration into the probebody. However, the recessed tip design is not desirable for performinghearing testing at high frequencies because of known errors inperforming calibration at high frequencies associated with recessedprobe tips.

Evidence of the difficulty in managing contamination in hearing testprobes can be seen in recent probe designs where the ear canal end ofthe probe is made to be user replaceable in the event that contaminationgets beyond the recess at the front of the eartip and enters the body ofthe probe. This solution can provide a more convenient means ofcontamination removal than many of the cleaning and disassemblyprocedures used in older designs. However, the cost of the replacementcomponent can be significant even though it is only likely to requirereplacement after the testing of numerous subjects. This problem wouldbe significantly exacerbated if the probe end is designed to exit flushwith, or extend slightly beyond, the end of the eartip.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary replaceable probe tip design as is knownin the art. Existing replaceable probe tip designs commonly use arecessed tip design to minimize the occurrence of contamination. Asnoted above, the recessed tip design is not desirable for performinghearing testing at high frequencies because of known errors inperforming calibration at high frequencies associated with recessedprobe tips. Additionally, existing replacement probe tips are tooexpensive and cumbersome to replace frequently.

Another limitation in current hearing probe designs is the minimal areaavailable for the stimulus and microphone acoustic channels through theeartip. A three millimeter outer diameter limitation is the industrystandard such that the eartips are small enough to properly fit and sealto the ear canals of infants and newborns. This minimal cross-sectionalarea of the stimulus and microphone channels causes limitations in thefrequency response of the stimulus sources and increases the impedanceof the microphone input which causes an increase in its noise floor.Compounding this limitation is the need for the stimulus channels andthe microphone channels maintain separation to their exit at the earcanal. Maximizing the use of the three millimeter diameter allowedprovides for an improved frequency response and noise floor.

Additionally, existing hearing test instruments typically communicatetest signals to a probe and receive the acoustic response signals fromthe probe in real-time. As such, these existing hearing test deviceshave been limited to performing a hearing test on one ear at a time.

Also, existing hearing test instruments have been limited in the mannerof communication between the probe and the instrument. Specifically,existing hearing test instruments have communicated with the probe usinganalog electrical signals over a cable. However, the cables used inexisting hearing test instruments have limited cable lengths, requiringthe patient and tester to be in close proximity and reducing flexibilityin probe placement. The limited cable length is largely due to the needto minimize signal degradation when using analog transmissions for thestimulus and responses. The cable is shielded to minimize interferencefrom outside radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic interference(EMI).

The construction of this communication cable is complicated by therequirement to eliminate interference between the stimulus channels andthe microphone channel. The probe cable adds bulk and weight to thesystem and may pull on the probe in the ear during testing, making itdifficult to keep the required seal and positioning in the ear canal.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention asset forth in the remainder of the present application with reference tothe drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

An apparatus and/or method is provided for a hearing testing probe witha user-replaceable coupling member for interfacing to an ear canal,substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at leastone of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary recessed probe design as is known in theart.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary replaceable probetip design as is known in the art.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view in cross-section of an exemplaryembodiment of a hearing testing probe used in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates another side view in cross-section of an exemplaryembodiment of a hearing testing probe used in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of ahearing testing probe used in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofa probe tube used in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cutaway side view of an exemplary embodiment of ahearing testing probe used in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofa hearing testing probe used in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIG. 9 illustrates exploded side views of an exemplary embodiment of ahearing testing probe used in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofa probe tube used in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of aprobe tube used in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cutaway view of an exemplary sealing and matingsurface of a hearing testing probe and probe tube used in accordancewith an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary sealing and mating surface of a hearingtesting probe and probe tube used in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present technology.

FIG. 14 illustrates a view of an exemplary hearing testing probe andprobe tube used with an elastomeric eartip in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 15 illustrates a view of an exemplary hearing testing probe andprobe tube with an adhered to eartip used in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 16 illustrates cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments ofprobe tubes used in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 17 illustrates cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments ofkeyed probe tubes used in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a hearingtesting probe headset used in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of adigital interface used in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofembodiments of the present invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in thedrawings. It should be understood, however, that the present inventionis not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in theattached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present technology provide a hearing testing probewith a user-replaceable coupling member for interfacing to an ear canal.Embodiments of the present technology provide hearing testing probesplaced within ear canals that are coupled via a digital interface to aninstrument that monitors the condition within the ears.

FIGS. 3-4 and 7-8 illustrate side views in cross-section of exemplaryembodiments of the hearing test probe 10 used in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology. FIGS. 5 and 9 illustrate explodedside views of exemplary embodiments of the hearing test probe 10. FIG.14 illustrates a view of an exemplary hearing testing probe 10 and probetube 30 used with an elastomeric eartip 20. FIG. 15 illustrates a viewof an exemplary hearing testing probe 10 and probe tube 30 with anadhered to eartip 20.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, 7-9 and 14-15, certain embodiments of a hearingtesting probe 10 include a cable 150 for communicating test signals to aprobe 10 and receiving the response signals from the probe 10. In anembodiment, cable 150 is inserted in end cap 120 via a grommet 140 forprotecting the cable 150 and is secured within the end cap 120 using acable clamp 130 as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 and 9, for example. End cap120 attaches to probe body 40. The end cap 120 and probe body 40 mayhouse various components of the probe 10, including but not limited todrivers 80, driver tubes 60 or stimulus channels 65, sealing and matingsurface 104, flex circuit 110, and one or more microphones 100.

In various embodiments, drivers 80 may be moving coil drivers, balancedarmature drivers or any other suitable drivers. Although FIGS. 3-5 and 8illustrate using two drivers 80, more or less drivers 80 arecontemplated. Drivers 80 may be secured within the housing 120, 40 withdriver caps 90 and/or driver plugs or mounts 70, for example. In certainembodiment, drivers 80 are coupled to stimulus channels 65 asillustrated in FIG. 8, for example. Certain embodiments provide drivers80 coupled to driver tubes 60 via driver plugs 70 as illustrated inFIGS. 3-5, for example. Drivers 80 are sound transducers that generateacoustic signals from the electrical test signals received via cable150. The stimulus channels 65 or driver tubes 60 are operable to carrythe acoustic stimulus generated by drivers 80 to probe tube 30, whichcarries the acoustic stimulus into an ear canal. Stimulus channels 65 ordriver tubes 60 may include one or more acoustic dampers 50 and/or othersuitable filters for tuning or adjusting the tonal balance of theacoustic stimuli generated by drivers 80.

In certain embodiments, the probe tube 30 includes separate soundchannels for carrying acoustic stimulus from each of the drivers 80 viastimulus channels 65 or driver tubes 60. Each of the acoustic stimulussound channels comprises one or more stimulus lumens 32. Additionally,the probe tube 30 includes one or more microphone lumens 31 forming anacoustic microphone sound channel for communicating the acousticcondition of the ear canal to one or more microphones 100.

FIGS. 6 and 10 illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary embodimentsof a probe tube 30 used in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology. FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplaryembodiment of a probe tube 30. FIG. 16 illustrates cross-sectional viewsof exemplary embodiments of probe tubes 30.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 10-11 and 16, certain embodiments provide that theprobe tube 30 is produced by an extrusion process using a thermoplasticelastomer, such that the probe tube 30 is both disposable andinexpensive. The thermoplastic elastomer may be a polyether block amide(trade name PEBAX™), for example, with a net durometer of 72 Shore A,among other things. In certain embodiments, the probe tube 30 may beproduced by injection molding or plastic forming, however, theseprocesses typically entail a significantly increased cost per partproduced. In various embodiments, other materials such as plastic orrubber, among other things, could be used for the extrusion.

In order to accommodate common industry standard eartips 20 and fittinginto ear canals of infants, probe tube 30 terminates at the ear canalend in a maximum diameter of approximately three millimeters. As such,the acoustic stimulus and microphone channels are brought to the earcanal with a smaller cross-sectional area than would be desired toprovide wideband acoustic stimulus with a flat frequency response.Replaceable probe interfaces, as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, arecommonly made from injection molded plastic or extruded silicone tubing.In these designs a large portion of the overall availablecross-sectional area of the three millimeter diameter is consumed by thematerial of which the interface component is made because of limitationsin wall thicknesses that can be produced using common plastic injectionmolding processes or silicone extrusion processes. The area consumed bythe material in one popular design using a silicone extrusion process isover 60% of the total area of the tube. In another popular design usingplastic injection molding, the plastic walls forming the channelsconsumes over 70% of the available area.

Certain embodiments provide that probe tube 30 has a cross-sectionalarea lost to the material that is less than 40%, allowing a significantincrease in the cross-sectional area allotted to the acoustic stimulusand microphone channels and thus providing an improved acousticperformance. The improved acoustic performance may be due to, forexample, the use of an extrusion process that can consistently extrudewall thicknesses in a range between 0.07 and 0.30 millimeters (0.003 to0.010 inches) or more specifically, approximately 0.12 millimeters(0.005 inches). Typical plastic injection molding processes have minimumwall thicknesses of 0.50 millimeter (0.020 inches) and siliconeextrusion requires a large wall in order to maintain its shape becauseof its significantly lower durometer.

Various embodiments provide a probe tube 30 with a reduced outer wall 34thickness, radial wall 35 thickness, and inner wall 33 thickness suchthat the effective total acoustic tube area is increased whilemaintaining the outer diameter of the probe tube 30.

Replaceable interface components 30 in existing hearing testing probes10 are typically keyed 36 or unidirectional in their connection to theprobe body 40. This requires that a user orient the probe tube 30 in aparticular fashion in order to properly mate the probe tube 30 with theprobe body 40. Certain embodiments provide that the probe tube 30 is ofa symmetrical design as illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, for example,allowing the probe tube 30 to be placed onto the probe body 40 by simplylining up the probe tube 30 end with the entrance port on the probe body40. The symmetrical design illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, for example,allows the user to replace the probe tube 30 without regards toorientation, significantly simplifying the process and making it easierto perform in low light environments or by individuals with impairedvision.

Referring to FIGS. 10-11, one of the disclosed symmetrical designsprovides eight stimulus lumens 32 located circumferentially about thecenter microphone lumen 31. Each of these stimulus lumens 32 is definedby two radial walls 35 extending from the center microphone lumen 31defined by inner wall 33 to the outside wall 34 of the probe tube 30. Invarious embodiments, eight of these radial walls 35 are evenly spacedabout the diameter to create the eight individual stimulus lumens 32. Incertain embodiments, four adjoining stimulus lumens 32 are used to formtwo acoustic stimulus sound channels for receiving stimulus from thecorresponding two stimulus channels 65.

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate views of an exemplary sealing and mating surface104 of a hearing testing probe 10 and probe tube 30 used in accordancewith an embodiment of the present technology. The sealing and matingsurface 104 of the hearing testing probe 10 provides a seal that extendsacross the midline on the profile of the probe tube 30, between thecentral microphone lumen 31 and the outside wall 34 of the probe tube30, to separate and isolate two groups of four adjacent stimulus lumens32. The sealing and mating surface 104 is of sufficient width to ensurecomplete contact across one of the radial walls 35 which define thestimulus lumen 32, regardless of the orientation of the probe tube 30relative to the sealing and mating surface 104. The sealing and matingsurface 104 used as described above ensures that each acoustic stimulussound channel has four of the stimulus lumens 32, maximizing theeffective area of each acoustic stimulus sound channel. In certainembodiments, the sealing and mating surface 104 may comprise amicrophone bracket as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, among other things.

Referring to some of the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 16 incomparison to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, for example, moreor less radial walls 35 may be used to divide the area into more or lessindividual stimulus lumens 32. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10,for example, provides for eight of the stimulus lumen 32 based onexisting thermoplastic extrusion technology which allows for extrudedwall thicknesses of approximately 0.12 millimeters (0.005 inches).Because the width of the sealing and mating surface 104 on the probe 10is proportional to the width of each stimulus lumen 32, a probe tube 30with six or less stimulus lumen 32 may provide a reduced acoustic pathdue to a larger sealing and mating surface 104. Inversely, a probe tube30 with ten or more stimulus lumen 32 may have a reduced effectiveacoustic path due to the increased area consumed by the greater numberof radial walls 35.

Eartips 20 are typically applied to hearing testing probes 10 to providea conforming, sealing, and comfortable fit to a subject's ear canal. Theseal provided by an eartip 20 excludes ambient noise and/or provides apressure seal during audiometric testing. Users of hearing testingequipment may have preferences for particular eartips 20 or type ofeartips 20 based on numerous factors. One factor may be the testingenvironment, which may require an eartip 20 to provide a particularlevel of sound attenuation in order to perform adequately. Anotherfactor may be patient comfort, where choice of eartip design andconstruction may influence the comfort of the eartip 20 to an ear canal.A significant factor is often the cost of the eartip 20 per test. Asingle-use disposable eartip 20 is often more costly than a cleanablereusable eartip design.

The probe tube 30 is configured for use with an eartip 20, such asindustry-standard elastomeric eartips 20, single-use disposable eartips20, or any other suitable eartips 20. The probe tube 30 has an outerdiameter. In various embodiment, the outer diameter of the probe tube 30is appropriate to mate and seal with the central channel found onindustry-standard elastomeric eartips 20 and the like, such that theprobe tube 30 provides compatibility with many of the eartips 20 thatusers of the hearing test probe 10 may prefer. Certain embodimentsprovide for use of single-use disposable eartips 20. The single-useeartip 20 may be bonded directly to the probe tube 30 to provide asingle disposable assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 15, for example.

Certain embodiments provide that the probe tube 30 aligns flush with, orextends slightly beyond (e.g., two to three millimeters), the ear canalend of eartip 20 to increase the accuracy of calibration of the hearingtesting probe.

FIG. 17 illustrates cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments ofkeyed 36 probe tubes 30 used in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology. Certain embodiments provide one or more keys 36operable to prevent a user from applying eartip 20 types other thanthose specifically designed for use with such embodiment. Keyed 36 probetubes 30 may be desirable, for example, if a manufacturer prefers torequire users to purchase specific eartips 20. As an example, keyed 36probe tubes 30 may ensure the use of eartips 20 that have specificdesign details for providing proper performance of the intendedaudiometric test, to limit compatibility with competitiveinstrumentation, or to ensure sales of the manufacturer's eartips 20.

Referring again to FIG. 17, examples of keyed 36 probe tubes 30 areprovided that may comprise, for example, a notch 36 indented into theouter diameter of the extrusion. The notch 36 may prevent standardeartips 20 from creating a seal to the subject's ear canal, preventingcompletion of an audiometric test. A notch or cutaway may comprise asingle detail or may be comprised of several notches around theperimeter of the probe tube 30. In various embodiments, a key 36 maycomprise one or more details extending outside the perimeter of theprobe tube 30 for causing interference in the center channel of aneartip 20 incompatible with the probe tube 30.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-6, various embodiments provide that the probetube 30 detachably couples at a first end to the driver tubes 60 withinprobe body 40. In certain embodiments, such as when using anasymmetrical probe tube 30 as illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, one ormore of the probe tube 30 and the probe body 40 may include visualand/or mechanical keys for properly aligning the probe tube 30 with thedriver tubes 60. For example, the probe tube 30 and probe body 40 mayinclude a marking at the top or along the length of each of the probetube 30 and the probe body 40 to indicate the proper alignment wheninserting the probe tube 30 into the probe body 40 for coupling with thedriver tubes 60. As another example, the probe tube 30 and probe body 40may include one or more keys 36, as discussed above with regard to FIG.17, for dictating the proper alignment when inserting the probe tube 30into the probe body 40 for coupling with the driver tubes 60. Certainembodiments may use any suitable mechanism for assisting in thealignment of the probe tube 30 with the driver tubes 60. The scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited by thealignment mechanism, unless explicitly claimed.

In certain embodiments, when the probe 10 is fully assembled, a secondend of the probe tube 30 extends through a hole in the center of aneartip 20 and aligns flush with, or extends slightly beyond (e.g., twoto three millimeters), the face of the eartip 20. The eartip 20 is heldin place by a front tapered section of the probe body 40, with thesecond end of the probe tube 30 acoustically sealing to the eartip 20 atthe ear canal end of the eartip 20. The eartip 20 may be removed fromthe probe body 40 without removing the probe tube 30. The eartip 20 maybe made of an elastic material, such as, for example, rubber or anyother suitable material. Various eartips 20 with the same inner holediameter but with varying outer sizes may be used with the probe 10. Forexample, an eartip 20 with a smaller outer size may be used whenperforming a hearing test on an infant while an eartip 20 with a largerouter size may be used when performing a hearing test on an adult.

In various embodiments, the probe tube 30 may be replaceable and/ordisposable without having to replace/dispose of the probe body 40 and/orthe eartip 20. For example, if cerumen or other biological materialcontaminates the probe tube 30, a user may replace the contaminatedprobe tube 30 with a new and/or uncontaminated probe tube 30 so that anaccurate measurement may be achieved. In certain embodiments, such asdiscussed above with regard to FIG. 15, single-use disposable eartips 20may be used. For example, the single-use eartip 20 may be bondeddirectly to the probe tube 30 to provide a single disposable assembly asillustrated in FIG. 15.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-6, one or more microphones 100 may be housedwithin end cap 120 and/or probe body 40 for receiving the acousticresponse from the ear canal via probe tube 30. In an embodiment, an openarea between the one or more microphones 100 and the one or moremicrophone lumens 31 of the probe tube 30 may allow all of the one ormore microphones to receive sound from all of the one or more microphonelumens 31 of the probe tube 30. For example, if the probe 10 has twomicrophones 100 and the probe tube 30 has two microphone lumens 31 forcarrying the acoustic response from the ear canal to the two microphones100, both of the microphones 100 receive the acoustic response from bothof the microphone lumens 31 of the probe tube 30. A flex circuit 110coupled to the one or more microphones 100 may communicate theelectrical output from the one or more microphones 100 from the probe 10via cable 150.

Referring again to FIGS. 7-15, various embodiments provide that theprobe tube 30 detachably couples at a first end to the stimulus channels65 via sealing and mating surface 104 within probe body 40. In certainembodiments, the microphone lumen 31 of the probe tube 30 may bereceived by a microphone tube 102 at the probe body 40. The microphonetube 102 attaches to one or more microphones 100 at a first end, andextends, at least partially, into microphone lumen 31 at a second endwhen the probe tube 30 is coupled within probe body 40 as illustrated inFIGS. 7-8, for example. The one or more microphones 100 may be housedwithin end cap 120 and/or probe body 40 for receiving the acousticresponse from the ear canal via probe tube 30 and microphone tube 102.In various embodiments, when the probe 10 is fully assembled, a secondend of the probe tube 30 extends through a hole in the center of aneartip 20 and aligns flush with, or extends slightly beyond (e.g., twoto three millimeters), the face of the eartip 20.

Certain embodiments provide that the eartip 20 is held in place by afront tapered section of the probe body 40, with the second end of theprobe tube 30 acoustically sealing to the eartip 20 at the ear canal endof the eartip 20 as illustrated in FIG. 14, for example. The eartip 20may be removed from the probe body 40 without removing the probe tube30. The eartip 20 may be made of an elastic material, such as, forexample, rubber or any other suitable material. Various eartips 20 withthe same inner hole diameter but with varying outer sizes may be usedwith the probe 10. For example, an eartip 20 with a smaller outer sizemay be used when performing a hearing test on an infant while an eartip20 with a larger outer size may be used when performing a hearing teston an adult.

In various embodiments, the probe tube 30 may be replaceable and/ordisposable without having to replace/dispose of the probe body 40 and/orthe eartip 20. For example, if cerumen or other biological materialcontaminates the probe tube 30, a user may replace the contaminatedprobe tube 30 with a new and/or uncontaminated probe tube 30 so that anaccurate measurement may be achieved. In certain embodiments, such asdiscussed above with regard to FIG. 15, single-use disposable eartips 20may be used. For example, the single-use eartip 20 may be bondeddirectly to the probe tube 30 to provide a single disposable assembly asillustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a hearingtesting probe headset 160 used in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology. Certain embodiments of the hearing testing probeheadset 160 include a headband 170 and an attached ear wrap component180 for securely fastening to a user's head and correctly orientinghearing testing probes 10 into a user's ears. Additionally, the headband170 is operable to securely mount one or more digital interfaces 200 tothe headband 170. By mounting the one or more digital interfaces 200 tothe headband 170, the weight of the digital interfaces 200 and/or anytension on the cable 210 attached to the digital interfaces 200 will notcause the hearing test probes 10 to be pulled from a user's ears.

In various embodiments, when secured to a user, the headband 170 of thehearing testing probe headset 160 curves around the top and sides of theuser's head and the ear wrap component 180 fits snugly above andpartially around a user's ears. The headband 170 and attached ear wrapcomponent 180 may be adjustable to accommodate different sizes andshapes of a user's head and the positioning of the user's ears inrelation to the user's head. For example, the headband 170 may extend orcontract to be longer or shorter based on a user's fit preferences. Asanother example, the ear wrap component 180 may tighten inward or loosenoutward based on a user's fit preferences.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of anexemplary digital interface 200 used in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present technology. Certain embodiments of the digital interface 200include a digital signal processor (DSP) 202, a CODEC 204 (i.e., ananalog to digital and digital to analog converter) and a microphonepreamplifier/receiver driver 206.

In certain embodiments, the digital interface 200 may transmit analogtest signals, among other things, to the drivers 80 of hearing testingprobe 10 via cable 150, for example. The digital interface 200 mayreceive electrical response signals, among other things, from thehearing testing probe 10 via cable 150, for example. In certainembodiments, the digital interface 200 is not limited to communicatingwith a hearing testing probe 10. Instead, the digital interface 200 maytransmit analog test signals and receive electrical response signalsfrom any suitable device such as, for example, an auditory brainstemresponse (ABR) test system, among other things.

In various embodiments, the digital interface 200 may include at leastone data port (not shown) for communicating digital signals with ahearing test system. The hearing test system may be a computer, forexample, among other things. The at least one data port may be operableto receive a digital cable 210, such as, for example, USB, FireWire, andthe like. Alternatively or additionally, a wireless module 220 may beplugged into the at least one data port. The wireless module includes awireless transceiver 222 for transmitting and receiving digital signalsbetween the digital interface 200 and the hearing test system. Thewireless transceiver 222 may be operable to communicate over anysuitable network, such as, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellularnetworks, among others. In certain embodiments, the wireless module 220may be battery-powered 224. For example, the wireless module 220 mayinclude a lithium-ion battery 224 or any other suitable battery. Incertain embodiments, the same data port may be used for either receivinga digital cable 210 or a wireless module 220 depending on whether theuser prefers to communicate by a wired or a wireless connection.

In certain embodiments, the DSP 202 may receive the test signals fromthe hearing test system in a digital format. The DSP 202 then providesthe test signals to the CODEC 204, which converts the digital testsignals to analog test signals and drives the receivers 80 in the probe10. Alternatively or additionally, the DSP 202 may generate the testsignals upon receipt of specific commands from the hearing test system.The commands received from the hearing test system dictate the stimulustype, for example, noise, pure-tones, or clicks, as well as frequency,duration, intensity, and any other suitable qualifiers. The DSP 202generates the requested test signals and provides the digital testsignals to the CODEC 204, which converts the digital test signals toanalog test signals and drives the receivers 80 in the probe 10.

In various embodiments, the DSP 202 may provide a probe fit testfunction that generates a test tone sequence through the attached probe10 and monitors the response to determine when the probe 10 is properlyfit into an ear canal. The DSP 202 can initiate the intended hearingtest function upon detection of the proper fit, or may communicate thisstatus to the hearing test system.

In certain embodiments, test signal information may be downloaded oruploaded from the hearing test system to memory at the digital interface200. Once the probe 10 is in position and the user is ready for the testto begin, the DSP 202 may retrieve the test signal information frommemory and generate the appropriate test signals to conduct the hearingtest. In certain embodiments, a connection between the digital interface200 and the hearing test system may not be necessary while performingthe hearing test. For example, the digital interface 200 may beconnected with the hearing test system via a wired or wirelessconnection when receiving test signal information or any other suitableinformation (i.e., before the hearing test and/or at the beginning ofthe hearing test) and when transmitting measured response signals fromthe hearing test or any other suitable information (i.e., after thehearing test and/or at the end of the hearing test). As such, certainembodiments provide for a connection between the digital interface 200and the hearing test system when the connection is needed to communicatedata between the digital interface 200 and the hearing test system.

In various embodiments, the test signal generation by the DSP 202 may beinitiated through a predetermined command received from a connectedhearing test system. The received commands may specify, for example, thetype of test signal(s) to be generated, such as pure-tones, noises,clicks, or any other suitable test signal. The received commands mayfurther specify, for example, the frequency, duration, intensity, andany other suitable information for generating the test signals. Thedigital interface 200 may allow for the upload of a custom test signalwaveform or series of waveforms. The digital interface 200 may alsoaccept a series of waveform commands that allows for an autonomous runof a multi-frequency and/or multi-test function.

In certain embodiments, the digital interface 200 may receive a measuredresponse signal from a probe 10, an electrode or any other suitableapparatus. In certain embodiments, the DSP 202 receives the measuredresponse signal pre-amplified by the preamplifier 206 and converted fromanalog to digital by the CODEC 204. The DSP 202 may store the measuredresponse signal stream for a particular period of time in its internaldigital memory or in an attached storage device. For example, if aconnection (i.e., wired or wireless) between the digital interface 200and the hearing test system is not currently established, the DSP 202may store the measured response signal stream until a connection isestablished with the hearing test system. Alternatively or additionally,if a connection (i.e., wired or wireless) between the digital interface200 and the hearing test system is currently established, the durationof the measured response signal stream buffering may be determined byfunction calls from the hearing test system or in any other suitablemanner.

In certain embodiments, the DSP 202 may also provide signal processingfunctions such as averaging, filtering, noise-reduction, artifactrejection, and/or any other suitable signal processing or analysisfunctions. The signal processing may be determined by function callsfrom the hearing test system or in any other suitable manner. The raw orprocessed measured response signal stream is sent from the digitalinterface 200 to the hearing test system via a wired 210 or wireless 220connection. Other DSP 202 advanced analysis functions may includeotoacoustic emission measurement, transfer function measurement, leakdetection, cavity volume measurement, acoustic reflex measurement,acoustic reflectance measurement, as well as any other suitable advancedalgorithms.

Certain embodiments provide a digital interface 200 coupled to thehearing testing probe 10 to allow for the use of a lightweight digitalcable 210 and/or a wireless interface 220. The use of digitaltransmission provides for greater flexibility in cable lengths, lessbulky cables, fewer problems of signal degradation and RF interference.The digital interface 200 also allows for the use of wirelesstransmission, providing greater flexibility in testing environments andeliminating the need for a tethered connection.

Certain embodiments provide a replaceable/disposable low-cost probe tubedesign that separates the probe tube 30 from the eartip 20, so that theprobe tube 30 may be replaced when contaminated. The eartip 20 is heldin place by the front tapered section of the probe body 40, with theprobe tube 30 acoustically sealing to the eartip 20 at the ear canalend. The eartip 20 can be removed without removing the probe tube 30. Acontaminated probe tube 30 is easily replaced by the user of the hearingtesting probe 10. Certain embodiments provide an inexpensive solution tofrequent probe tube 30 replacement, while providing a solution forextending the probe tubes 30 flush to, or slightly beyond (e.g., two tothree millimeters), the face of eartip 20.

Various embodiments provide a hearing testing probe apparatus 10. Thehearing testing probe apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of drivers 80within a probe body 40 operable to generate test stimulus from receivedtest signals. The hearing testing probe apparatus 10 comprises one ormore microphones 100 within the probe body 40 operable to receive atleast one measured response. The hearing testing probe apparatus 10comprises a plurality of stimulus channels 65 within the probe body 40operable to carry the generated test stimulus from the plurality ofdrivers 80. Each of the plurality of stimulus channels 65 is coupled toa separate one of the plurality of drivers 80. The hearing testing probeapparatus 10 comprises a probe tube 30 detachably coupled at a first endto the plurality of stimulus channels 65 within the probe body 40. Theprobe tube 30 extends through a center hole in an eartip 20 to alignflush to, or extend slightly beyond, an ear canal end of the eartip 20at a second end. The probe tube 30 comprises a plurality of separatestimulus lumens 32 corresponding to each of the plurality of stimuluschannels 65 for receiving and carrying the generated test stimulus fromthe first end of the probe tube 30 for output from the second end of theprobe tube 30. The probe tube 30 comprises one or more separatemicrophone lumens 31 for receiving and carrying the one or more measuredresponses received at the second end of the probe tube 30 to the one ormore microphones 100 at the first end of the probe tube 30.

In an embodiment, the hearing testing probe apparatus 10 comprises asealing and mating surface 104. The probe tube 30 is detachably coupledat the first end to the plurality of stimulus channels 65 at the sealingand mating surface 104 within the probe body 40.

In an embodiment, the eartip 20 is detachably coupled to the probe body40.

In an embodiment, the probe tube 30 is removable from the eartip 20.

In an embodiment, the eartip 20 is bonded directly to the probe tube 30to provide a single assembly.

In an embodiment, the single assembly is a single-use disposablecomponent.

In an embodiment, the probe tube 30 is operably attached to the hearingtesting probe 10 irrespective of the orientation about a longitudinalaxis of the probe tube 30.

In an embodiment, the one or more separate microphone lumens 31 and theplurality of separate stimulus lumens 32 are configured symmetricallywithin the probe tube 30.

In an embodiment, the one or more separate microphone lumens 31comprises a cylindrical central lumen defined by an inner wall 33 withinthe probe tube 30.

In an embodiment, the plurality of separate stimulus lumens 32 arelocated circumferentially about the cylindrical central lumen 31. Eachof the plurality of separate stimulus lumens 32 are defined by tworadial walls 35 extending from the inner wall 33 to an outer wall 34within the probe tube 30.

In an embodiment, the probe tube 30 comprises eight radial walls 35extending from the inner wall 33 to the outer wall 34 within the probetube 30 such that the plurality of separate stimulus lumens 32 is eightlumens.

In an embodiment, the probe tube 30 comprises an inner wall 33, an outerwall 34 and a plurality of radial walls 35.

In an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the inner wall 33, theouter wall 34 and the plurality of radial walls 35 is less than 40%.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the inner wall 33, the outer wall 34and the plurality of radial walls 35 is approximately 0.012 millimeters(0.005 inches).

In an embodiment, the probe tube 30 is extruded using a thermoplasticelastomer.

In an embodiment, a net durometer of the thermoplastic elastomer is 72Shore A.

In an embodiment, the hearing testing probe apparatus 10 comprises oneor more microphone tubes 102 operably attached at a first end to the oneor more microphones 100, and extending into the one or more separatemicrophone lumens 31 when the probe tube 30 is coupled within the probebody 40.

Various embodiments provide a hearing testing probe apparatus 10. Thehearing testing probe apparatus 10 comprises a probe tube 30 detachablycoupled at a first end to a probe body 40 and extending through a centerhole in an eartip 20 to align proximate a face of the eartip 20 at asecond end. The probe tube 30 comprises a plurality of stimulus lumens32 for receiving and carrying stimulus from the first end of the probetube 30 for output at the second end of the probe tube 30. The probetube 30 comprises one or more microphone lumens 31 for receiving andcarrying one or more measured responses from the second end of the probetube 30 to one or more microphones 100 at the first end of the probetube 30.

In an embodiment, the probe tube 30 is operably attached to the hearingtesting probe 10 irrespective of the orientation about a longitudinalaxis of the probe tube 30.

In an embodiment, the probe tube 30 is fixably attached to the eartip 20to form a single entity, wherein the single entity is a single-usedisposable component.

In an embodiment, the one or more microphone lumens 31 are a centralreceiving lumen and the plurality of stimulus lumens 32 are locatedperipherally to the one or more microphone lumens 31. The one or moremicrophone lumens are operable to form one or more distinct receivingchannels for receiving the one or more measured responses. The pluralityof stimulus lumens 32 are operable to form one or more transmittingchannels for transmitting the stimulus.

In an embodiment, the probe tube 30 terminates flush at, or extendsslightly beyond, an ear canal end of the eartip 20.

While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the presentinvention have been shown and described, it will be understood that theinvention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A probe tube comprising: an outer tube wall extending from an open proximal end to an open distal end, wherein the outer tube wall comprises a constant outer diameter; a plurality of stimulus lumens extending within the outer tube wall from the open proximal end to the open distal end of the probe tube, the plurality of stimulus lumens operable to receive and carry a stimulus from the open proximal end of the probe tube for output at the open distal end of the probe tube; and at least one microphone lumen extending within the outer tube wall from the open proximal end to the open distal end of the probe tube, the at least one microphone lumen operable to receive and carry at least one measured response from the open distal end of the probe tube for output at the open proximal end of the probe tube, wherein the plurality of stimulus lumens and the at least one microphone lumen are arranged symmetrically within the outer tube wall, the outer tube wall enclosed between the open proximal end and the open distal end, and wherein the probe tube comprises a rigidity such that a shape of the probe tube is maintained when inserted in an eartip.
 2. The probe tube of claim 1, wherein the eartip is detachably coupled to the probe tube.
 3. The probe tube of claim 1, wherein the eartip is bonded directly to the probe tube to provide a single assembly.
 4. The probe tube of claim 3, wherein the single assembly is a single-use disposable component.
 5. The probe tube of claim 1, wherein the probe tube is operably attached to a hearing testing probe irrespective of the orientation about a longitudinal axis of the probe tube.
 6. The probe tube of claim 1, wherein the outer tube wall is a uniform thickness.
 7. The probe tube of claim 6, wherein the at least one microphone lumen comprises a cylindrical central lumen defined by an inner wall within the outer tube wall.
 8. The probe tube of claim 7, wherein the plurality of stimulus lumens are located circumferentially about the cylindrical central lumen, each of the plurality of stimulus lumens being defined by two radial walls extending from the inner wall to the outer tube wall.
 9. The probe tube of claim 8, wherein the probe tube comprises eight radial walls extending from the inner wall to the outer tube wall such that the plurality of stimulus lumens is eight lumens.
 10. The probe tube of claim 1, wherein the probe tube comprises an inner wall and a plurality of radial walls, the inner wall and the plurality of radial walls within the outer tube wall.
 11. The probe tube of claim 10, wherein a cross-sectional area of the inner wall, the outer tube wall and the plurality of radial walls is less than 40% of a total cross-sectional area of the probe tube.
 12. The probe tube of claim 10, wherein the thickness of the inner wall, the outer tube wall and the plurality of radial walls is approximately 0.012 millimeters (0.005 inches).
 13. The probe tube of claim 1, wherein the probe tube is extruded using a thermoplastic elastomer.
 14. The probe tube of claim 13, wherein a net durometer of the thermoplastic elastomer is 72 Shore A.
 15. The probe tube of claim 1, wherein the eartip is coupled to the probe tube, and wherein the open distal end of the probe tube aligns flush to, or extends slightly beyond, an ear canal end of the eartip.
 16. A hearing testing probe apparatus comprising: a probe tube comprising an outer tube wall extending from an open proximal end to an open distal end, the outer tube wall enclosed between the open proximal end and the open distal end, wherein the outer tube wall comprises a constant outer diameter, the probe tube detachably coupled at the open proximal end to a probe body and extending through a center hole in an eartip to align the open distal end proximate a face of the eartip, wherein the probe tube comprises a rigidity such that a shape of the probe tube is maintained when inserted in the eartip, the probe tube comprising: a plurality of stimulus lumens extending within the outer tube wall from the open proximal end to the open distal end of the probe tube, the plurality of stimulus lumens operable to receive a stimulus from at least one receiver at the open proximal end and to carry the stimulus from the open proximal end of the probe tube for output at the open distal end of the probe tube, and at least one microphone lumen extending within the outer tube wall from the open proximal end to the open distal end of the probe tube, the at least one microphone lumen operable to receive at least one measured response at the open distal end and to carry the at least one measured response from the open distal end of the probe tube to at least one microphone at the open proximal end of the probe tube.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the probe tube is operably attached to the hearing testing probe irrespective of the orientation about a longitudinal axis of the probe tube.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the probe tube is fixably attached to the eartip to form a single entity, wherein the single entity is a single-use disposable component.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one microphone lumen is a central receiving lumen and the plurality of stimulus lumens are located peripherally to the at least one microphone lumen, the at least one microphone lumen operable to form at least one distinct receiving channel for receiving the at least one measured response, and the plurality of stimulus lumens operable to form at least one transmitting channel for transmitting the stimulus.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the probe tube terminates flush at, or extends slightly beyond, an ear canal end of the eartip.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the outer tube wall is a uniform thickness.
 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of stimulus lumens and the at least one microphone lumen are arranged symmetrically within the outer tube wall. 